Finance the FutureBe the future of public finance

What do you need to know?

Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us
For our 2021 intake, applications will open on Monday 18th January 2021.
Across the Boroughs we will be taking on between 10-15 graduates.
If successful, you will be employed by one of the participating boroughs on a four-year fixed-term contract. At the same time, you will be taking part in a structured training scheme alongside trainees from other boroughs.
Most of the Boroughs are looking for candidates to start in September 2021. However, there may be some opportunity to start earlier. All Boroughs will aim to start you at least a few weeks ahead of starting your college course.
You will be asked for your top 3 preferences within the application form and we would advise you to look at all the Boroughs before making your selections. Your first preference will be the one you initially get put forward for.

If you successfully complete the four-year scheme, you will be in a strong position for Team Leader level roles within your employing and other authorities. Team Leaders are responsible for managing two to three Finance Officers.

Employment and professional training will commence in September 2021 for most of our Boroughs. Some contracts may start from July 2021. We welcome applications from anyone who has completed their degree by this time.
We will consider applications from anyone who has or is expecting a 2:1 or above in any degree subject. You must also have GCSE Maths and English (Level 4 or above) or equivalent.
We are unable to accept applications from individuals who do not already have the permanent and unrestricted right to work in the UK. We also need candidates to have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
No. Work experience could be an advantage, but it is not a requirement.
We are not able to reimburse expenses for candidates who will need to relocate for this scheme.
As long as you are performing satisfactorily in your work placement, your employer will support you to retake the exam.
We are unfortunately unable to offer feedback for candidates who are unsuccessful at any stage of the recruitment process.
You will contribute to all types of accountancy and finance work within the borough and will undertake work placements and formal training to achieve membership of CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy). There is a structured programme in place to ensure your work experience meets the needs of your formal studies.
Yes. Promotions are awarded after successful completion of each of the three stages of the CIPFA qualification.
Graduates who want to pursue a career in local government finance and who are committed to completing the CIPFA Professional Qualification. This commitment will be tested as part of the recruitment process, so you must be prepared to devote a considerable amount of your own time to study and exam preparation. We are really looking for candidates to show passion for, and have a clear understanding of, public sector finance.
None. We will consider applications from individuals of all ages.
We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities. If you have any special needs or are having difficulty applying because of a disability, please advise us and we will endeavour to make any adjustments necessary.
You are welcome to apply to if you have applied in previous years. If you have failed a stage in the recruitment process for the current 2021 September intake, then we cannot accept another application.
Your starting salary and benefits will depend on the borough you are placed with, but they are all competitive. However, all benefits packages include generous holiday entitlement, flexible working arrangements and an excellent pension scheme.
You may be exempt from sitting certain exams, but it is best practice to attend the lectures and complete the college studies. Please refer to CIPFA regarding exemption enquiries.
Yes, this will be confirmed with the exact schedule when you join the Borough.
Your employer covers the cost of your training throughout the training period.

All completed applications will be sifted against the selection criteria. Successful candidates will then need to progress through the following stages to secure an offer of employment:

 

  • Interactive Assessment – exploring some of the information you provided in your application form and making sure you have the behaviours and personal attributes that are essential for successful job performance. The interactive assessment consists of 2 parts – the first part will include both scenario, and logical & numerical questions. The second part will consist of a Video Interview.

  • Virtual Half Day Assessment Centre – assessing you across various exercises including a group exercise, budget monitoring exercise and Interview. All assessments will take place on a virtual platform.

  • Final interview – held by participating London boroughs. Please ensure that you are available for a Virtual Interview. .
Our graduate roles are politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. We are therefore unable to accept applications from candidates currently involved with political activity, both during and outside of election periods.
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We are now open for our 2021 Graduate Opportunities
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